Fair Trade has become one of the product certifications that ensure that business participants, from investors, business owners, and employees, to suppliers, have fulfilled their respective duties and responsibilities. This applies to social, economic, and environmental aspects.

Fair Trade certification has emerged as a solution that allows shrimp producers to meet ethical and environmental standards while enhancing their well-being. In this article, we will discuss about this certification in more detail.

Also Read: Best Aquaculture Practices Certification (BAP): A Comprehensive Guide on How to Obtain It

What is Fair Trade Certification?

Fair Trade certification is a product certification system that emphasizes social, economic, and environmental standards to ensure fair trade values and the rights of all individuals involved in business operations. This certification applies to both producers and traders.

If a shrimp farming business has Fair Trade certification, it can be ensured that the producers, farmers, and all their employees have engaged in fair, responsible, and sustainable business practices. 

Additionally, this certification ensures the protection of workers’ rights through social programs, health initiatives, and poverty alleviation. For consumers, this certification serves as a benchmark for assessing a company’s adherence to its principles.

Benefits of Fair Trade Certification for Shrimp Farming Businesses

Having Fair Trade certification provides several benefits for your shrimp farming business, including:

1. Actively managing potential risks with stringent fair trade standards to ensure a safe working environment and improvements in working conditions, wages, working hours, and benefits, and eliminating forced labour and poverty.
2. Enhancing efficiency and operational performance with on-field support and training to ensure the implementation of Fair Trade values.
3. Improving the living standards of workers and communities through Community Development Funds that assist farmers, fishermen, and employees in addressing real-life challenges.
4. Consumers will be pleased to purchase products with minimal negative environmental impact and a commitment to sustainability principles.

Also Read: HACCP Certification: Procedures, Requirements, and How to Obtain It

How to Obtain Fair Trade Certification for Shrimp Business

If you believe your shrimp products meet the Fair Trade certification standards, you can follow these steps:

1. Fill Out the Online Form

The first step in applying for Fair Trade certification is to fill out an online form through the link https://www.fairtradeamerica.org/get-certified/ or contact the Fair Trade team at comms@fairtradenapp.org. The form will require personal data, company information, and the products you want to register.

This information includes your company’s name, contact information, the category that best suits your company, the products you want to certify, and your company’s role.

2. Wait for Fair Trade Representatives to Contact You

Fair Trade representatives will reach you out to officially register your products and proceed with the audit process. If your products are deemed eligible and compliant with the standards after the audit process, you will receive approval for the Fair Trade Certified packaging you submitted.

3. Adhere to Strict Standards

Once your products are certified, you must continuously adhere to the stringent standards. Fair Trade certification is an ongoing process, so every product must continuously meet Fair Trade standards to maintain certification.

4. Remember the Function of The Certification

It’s important to note that Fair Trade issues certification for specific products, not for companies or business units. Therefore, if you want this certification for more than one product, you must register them separately.

Also Read: CBIB Certification in Shrimp Farming and How to Obtain It

Export Your Vannamei Shrimp with AquaLink!

Once you obtain Fair Trade certification for your shrimp products, you can start marketing them internationally. With this certification, consumers will have increased trust in your products.

For those who to exporting shrimp products, you can choose AquaLink as a transparent and reliable export partner with the best prices.

Contact the DELOS AquaLink Team through contact@delosaqua.com or submit your information through the contact form on our website at www.delosaqua.com to begin exporting your Vannamei shrimp with AquaLink!